New ‘Whale Wars’ TV Series Documents Anti-Whaling Activists
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a direct action animal rights organization led by Captain Paul Watson, will get some well-deserved attention in an upcoming seven-part Animal Planet television series titled “Whale Wars,” set to premier November 7th.
The group formed in 1977 after Watson, one of the founders of Greenpeace, became frustrated with the seminal environmental group’s hesitation to engage in direct action. Since then the group has faced down whalers year-after-year by literally chasing their ships around the open seas.
- » See also: MSNBC to Air 2 Hour Special on Animal Conservation: “100 Heartbeats”
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Unlike most direct action activism, Watson insists that Sea Shepherd’s anti-whaling campaigns are entirely legal. He cites international treaties under the International Whaling Commission that state that any human has the right to interfere with illegal poaching or whaling. While the laws exist, Watson says that Sea Shepherd are the only ones enforcing them. He has been arrested numerous times across the globe but has never been convicted of any wrongdoing.
Last winter, the crew prevented the Japanese from killing at least 300 whales, but not without a fight. The television show documents all the action, including a dramatic hostage situation, flash grenades, gunfire, and full-throttled chases through to antarctic seas. Quite frankly, I wish I had cable.
This teaser gives you a taste of what to expect:
Looking for more on Sea Shepherd? Check out some related posts:
- Greenpeace vs. Sea Shepherd: An Unfortunate Conflict
- Japan Plans to Arrest Sea Shepherd Crew
- Sea Shepherd Now has Former US Navy Lieutenant Onboard
- Animal Planet, Daryl Hannah Join Sea Shepherd Crew For More Whale Wars
- “Madagascar Two” Movie Inaccurate According to Sea Shepherd
- Australia, Greenpeace Opt Out of This Winter’s ‘Whale Wars’
- Japan Accuses Animal Planet of EcoTerrorism Prior to “Whale Wars” Premiere
Image Credit: Paul Watson via Wiki Commons
Paul Watson, the captain of the Steve Irwin, is an idiot. The crew isn’t much better.
It’s a miracle no one from this ship of fools hasn’t died in their misadventures.
Here are some examples:
1 Not training for boat drills prior to going to the waters of Antarctica.
The scene where the boat capsizes and the crew thrown in frigid waters,
and the rescue efforts are proof they are idiots.
2 The fact that Watson has people “Volunteering” to go on board other ships without permission.
This is called trespassing on land, on the sea, it’s piracy. The idiots who went on board
the Japanese ship and were”Taken hostage”, are lucky they weren’t shot.
Maritime law states you can take whatever action necessary to protect the integrity of your vessel.
3 The ships doctor reminds me of a joke,
“What do you call the person who graduates last in his/her class from med school?
Doctor!!!
The proof here is that he had a woman with a suspected pelvic fracture climb a ladder,
and then walk to their poor excuse for a sick bay. I work in Emergency services, there is a litter called a Stokes which was designed so patients can be easily moved with causing damage.
The fact that they don’t have one, and that help wasn’t called in for this highly serious injury
is proof that the captain is an idiot, or just doesn’t care about his crew.
4 The “Engineer”. An engine breaks down and he doesn’t have an answer. Or the means to repair it.
So they have to let the whalers have their way while they return to Melbourne for repairs.
5 The flight crew. Let some idiot with a stick to throw hazardous materials on the whalers ship on the flight deck,
and let him hit a blade on the helicopter causing damage and ground it. The pilot should’ve briefed
him about doing this.
6 The highly qaulified volunteers who call the bridge the cockpit, GEE WHIZ, at least train these folks.
Now I love whales, the ocean, all creaatures great and small, and Mother Earth. But these idiots have got to go.
Paul, a fancy jacket does not make you a sea captain, experience does.
I’ve worked on an ambulance as an EMT-A for 27 years.
I have seen gunshot wounds.
I have seen Police officers after they have been shot while wearing a vest.
One of them was shot with a .22, and it knocked him on his ass.
Why didn’t Watson fall down when he was shot?
where is the bullet hole in his Jacket?
Sounds like BS to me…………
I don’t like the whale vs. japanese suck
A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal.(proverbs12:10).The kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.(proverbs)27:23)Careful that you know the condition of your flock,give careful attention to their needs.Cruelty against god creatures,is a sin to he that created them.It is easy to be critical of others, especially when we are not the ones doing the job.I do not feel sorry for the Japanese at all, most fisherman love their jobs fully understanding the risks involved.The sea shepherds are just trying to do, what should have been done a long time ago, which is to stop the cruelty of killing whales for purposes of research and their so called delicacies ending up on someones plates.What is the matter with those people in china and Japan!!!!!!!!!Killing innocent cats and dogs!!!!! Hurting black bears for their bile for medicinal purposes,I don’t believe that will do a damned thing for medicinal purposes I feel bad for those animals and what they do to them.It is hard to imagine what else they eat!No real laws to protect them innocent animals and the terror they inflict upon them is almost unspeakable and hard to fathom!I don’t think they have that depth or concept of understanding of their cruelty tactics,apparently they have done it so long, it is nothing to them!The knife is a big item in the chef world of theirs.Last year, the sea shepherd and his crew saved three hundred whales. Maybe the ones that claim they have all the expertise can volunteer their time and put their actions to where their mouth is.I am a vegetarian and vegans are not a know it all!They simply know it is a health issue and they have no pleasure in eating or of killing animals for that is their right to do so and anyone that claims or bragging oh,I can kill a animal and have no problem with it. It makes me wonder what else could they kill? to say it that loosely, they should not own a animal of any kind.Sounds like they are one card short of a full deck.
A lot of soft people with softer minds. It’s obvious to me that missing out on protein apparently stunts brain development. Anyone who likes this show must be a moron.
I know several doctors, and none of them are vegans. Hmmm…
There are other ways to get your point across other than forcing your beliefs on others. Of course, forcing is the easiest way, so I understand if that’s all you can do.
Now, go cry in your beans and rice.
while I do not support the killing of whales the actions of the Sea Shepards are nothing more than eco-terrorism. The Japanesse have the rule of law (as objectional as it maybe) on their side. The Sea Shepards do not. Would’nt the efforts of the Sea Shepards be more effective if they tried to change the attitude of the Japanesse consumers of whale meat, and start a boycott of it? Asit is I have no sympath for the Sea Shepards, and am afraid they hurt the cause more than help.
My name is Dive & yes it is Dive & it is a name that fits me. I have always loved everything about the ocean. I watch anything that has to do with animals but especially the ocean. I have been watching Whale Wars lately & it is a amazing show!! It’s something I truly believe in. I would like to thank these people for all their hard work in trying to protect the Whales!! I am someone that would like to do this with my life!! This is something I have been looking for my whole life. If someone could PLEASE email me with information on how to get involved with the cause. It is a cause that I believe in with all my heart.
Boarding a vessel w/out the auth of USC title 14 is illegal. Zero seamanship, decision making ability, or situational awareness. supporters: go 2 sea! this gives true environmentalists a bad name.
IN STEAD OF THROWING THE FLOUR OR BOTTLES WHY NOT USE AIR GUNS LIKE THE USE TO SHOOT T-SHIRTS WITH MORE AND BETTER ACCURACY I THINK IT WOULD BE BETTER
Paul Watson is a liar and complete nut, saying he was shot and saved by a badge and vest, but there no hole in his jacket nor any physical signs of a gun shot. this man should be put into a mental home, put that hippie behind bar. How did this guy even get a TV show (what people will watch)